Citronella plants is as a mosquito repellent. It functions well in this capacity whether placed around your living area (“fluff” it up when you go outside) or rubbed on skin or made into an oil or spray. Citronella also repels other bugs like flies.
Citronella is safe for bees, and won’t repel spiders or other useful insects. Hummingbirds and butterflies don’t mind citronella either.